Definitions for: Protozoa


[n] in some classifications considered a superphylum or a subkingdom; comprises flagellates; ciliates; sporozoans; amoebas; foraminifers



Webster (1913) Definition: Pro`to*zo"a, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ? first + ? an
animal.] (Zo["o]l.)
The lowest of the grand divisions of the animal kingdom.

Note: The entire animal consists of a single cell which is
variously modified; but in many species a number of
these simple zooids are united together so as to form a
compound body or organism, as in the Foraminifera and
Vorticell[ae]. The reproduction takes place by fission,
or by the breaking up of the contents of the body after
encystment, each portion becoming a distinct animal, or
in other ways, but never by true eggs. The principal
divisions are Rhizopoda, Gregarin[ae], and Infusoria.
See also Foraminifera, Heliozoa, Protoplasta,
Radiolaria, Flagellata, Ciliata.

Synonyms: phylum Protozoa

See Also: Ciliata, Ciliophora, class Ciliata, class Ciliophora, class Flagellata, class Mastigophora, class Sarcodina, class Sporozoa, Flagellata, kingdom Protoctista, Mastigophora, phylum, Protoctista, protozoan, protozoon, Sarcodina, Sporozoa

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